Bacon wrapped chicken – Juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs are packed in crispy, smoky bacon, making for a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or even special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed: Smoky, crispy bacon wrapped around juicy chicken creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal prep.
- Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, appetizer, or even meal prep option.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
- Bacon: Thin-cut bacon works best to ensure it crisps up perfectly.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper adds depth.
- Optional glaze: Honey, maple syrup, or BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy finish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Use thin-cut bacon: It cooks more evenly and crisps up better than thick-cut varieties.
- Secure with toothpicks: This prevents the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Whether baking or air frying, leave space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Pat the chicken dry: This helps the bacon adhere better and ensures a nice sear.
- Pre-cook the bacon slightly: For extra crispy bacon, partially cook it before wrapping the chicken.
Variations
- Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Chicken: Add a stuffing like cream cheese, spinach, or mozzarella to elevate the dish.
- Sweet and Spicy: Sprinkle brown sugar and cayenne pepper on the bacon for a caramelized, spicy kick.
- Herb-Crusted: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Keto-Friendly: Omit any sugary glazes or rubs to keep this dish low-carb.
How to Cook Bacon Wrapped Chicken
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon-wrapped chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even cooking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes for extra crispiness.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Grill: Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is fully cooked.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Chicken
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a comforting and hearty pairing.
- Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots complement the smoky flavors.
- Salad: A crisp green salad balances the richness of the bacon and chicken.
- Rice or Quinoa: Add a healthy grain for a balanced meal.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon is a leaner option, though it won’t crisp up as much as traditional pork bacon.
2. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the chicken and wrap it in bacon, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking.
4. What if my bacon isn’t crispy enough?
Pop the chicken under the broiler for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
5. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy, even if slightly overcooked.
Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Bacon wrapped chicken - Juicy, tender chicken breasts or thighs are packed in crispy, smoky bacon, making for a flavor-packed meal that’s perfect for dinner parties, weeknight meals, or even special occasions.
Ingredients
- Four 6 ounce boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 12 slices bacon (not thick-cut)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion, minced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, Heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 6 minutes stirring, until golden brown. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30-40 seconds. Remove the pan from the heat and add the chives, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce and stir to combine. Season the filling with salt and pepper.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally from the center, so that it opens like a book. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then fill with the mixture that we made earlier evenly. Close the chicken breasts and again sprinkle with salt and pepper on the outsides.
- Wrpa 3 strips of bacon to each chicken breast and make sure that the bacon are tucked under the chicken for even cooking.
- Bake for 35 minutes until the chicken is almost cooked through and meat thermometer inserted in the middle of each breast reads 155 degrees F. Heat the broiler and broil the breasts for about 5 minutes until the bacon turns golden brown and crisp. Serve hot.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 629Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 18gCholesterol 222mgSodium 936mgCarbohydrates 5gFiber 0gSugar 2gProtein 67g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Final Thoughts
Bacon wrapped chicken is a dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is satisfying to eat. Whether you’re serving it to guests, preparing a cozy family dinner, or simply indulging in some smoky, savory goodness, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of juicy chicken and crispy bacon, paired with endless customization options, ensures that it will become a staple in your kitchen.
This recipe was delicious. I added asparagus to the chicken and cheese,
and made it just let me you said. Very easy and yummy!!!